Common Gymnastics Deductions (Compulsory Levels)

Here is a list of some of the most common or most used gymnastics deductions taken by judges. These deductions are applicable to compulsory gymnastics levels 1-5. If you are looking for ways to improve your gymnastics score this might be a good place to start. By being more aware of what deductions judges are looking for, you can work hard to make sure you don’t earn them! The error is listed first followed by the deduction that is taken from the start value. When the deduction listed is an “up to” deduction, the judge uses their discretion to decide how much should be taken, up to the maximum value. Also remember that in compulsory gymnastics deductions are taken on any mistakes you make in performing the routine as well as any mistakes made in the execution of the skills. So knowing the exact routine is important!

Update 7/27: These HAVE been updated for the new gymnastics rules for 2013-2021.

General Compulsory Gymnastics Deductions:

(These apply on Uneven Bars, Beam and Floor Exercise.)

Incorrect foot form (flexed, sickled) on major elements: each time .05

Leg separation: up to .20

Incorrect body alignment, position or posture on major elements: up to .20

Uneven Bars Compulsory Gymnastics Deductions:

Insufficient external amplitude away from bar during swinging/circling movements: up to .20

Extra arm swing (s) upon landing of dismount: up to .10

Taking steps after landing dismount: each .10 (max .40)

Very large step or jump after landing dismount: .20

Additional trunk movements to maintain balance on landing dismount: up to .30

Squat upon landing dismount: up to .30

Balance Beam Compulsory Gymnastics Deductions:

(The general deductions apply as well as these specific Balance Beam deductions.)

Failure to kick leg horizontal or above when required: up to .10

Uneven leg separation in leaps/jumps: up to .10

Insufficient split: up to .20

Extra kick up to handstand: .30

Grasping beam to avoid a fall: .30

Extra arm swing (s) upon landing of dismount: up to .10

Taking steps after landing dismount: each .10 (max .40)

Very large step or jump after landing dismount: .20

Additional trunk movements to maintain balance on landing dismount: up to .30

Squat upon landing dismount: up to .30

Floor Exercise Compulsory Gymnastics Deductions:

(The general deductions apply as well as these specific Floor Exercise deductions.)

Failure to kick leg horizontal or above when required: up to .10

Uneven leg separation in leaps/jumps: up to .10

Insufficient split: up to .20

Extra kick up to handstand: .30

I haven’t listed vault deductions because the deductions are different for each compulsory gymnastics level. And for the other events, this is not a comprehensive list of the deductions gymnastics judges use to score compulsory gymnastics routines, these are just some of the most commonly used. I hope this helps to give you a better idea of how gymnastics routines are scored. Here is a list of common optional gymnastics deductions.